You're reading: Lytvyn hails possibility of creating gas transport consortium with Russia and EU

The creation of a gas transport consortium and the transfer of the Ukrainian gas transport system into concession represent an opportunity to establish cooperation between Ukraine, Russia and the European Union, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn has said.

"I believe that the creation of the consortium and the transfer of the gas transport system into concession are an opportunity to preserve our strategic advantage for Europe, resolve the problems of energy supplies in Ukraine and establish cooperation between Ukraine, Russia and the European Union," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Lytvyn said that the consortium would help avoid there being a peak burden in relations between Ukraine, Russia and the EU in the autumn and winter period.

He expressed regret that the decisions on this issue that were worked out "in 2002 and subsequent years have not been brought to their logical conclusion."

Lytvyn said that "the wealth in the form of the gas transport system should work and bring advantages."

He also said that if the issue concerns concession, then "it does not mean that Ukraine has given away its gas transport system, as it is not putting it up for privatization."

Lytvyn also said that amendments could be introduced to the existing legislation.

"When it comes to the gas transport consortium, then we have to take a decision in terms of changes in legislation if such a need arises," he said.

Lytvyn noted that "laws are not dogma – when there is a strategic interest for the country, laws can be reviewed."